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Arbutus flowers
Arbutus marina
Arbutus Marina

The Strawberry tree is a very good tree for Marina. It has interesting red bark (like a native madrone - Arbutus unedo is a close mediteranean relative), delicate white flowers, bright strawberry colored fruit and year round glossy leaves. Also this tree is drought tolerant, frost hardy and needs little maintenance when established. This is a very good small tree for patios, walkways and street strips as roots will not lift sidewalks. Leaf litter is low, but some do not like the fruit drop along walkways. Fruit is listed as edible, but that might be an acquired taste!

Maximum height
15-30 feet

Life Span
40-60 years?


Criteria for Ranking

Ranking
1 (low) - 5 (high)

Drought Tolerance after first year establishment 5
Wind Tolerance 3*
Frost Tolerance 4
Surface Roots/Sidewalk Lifting 5
Power Lines Proximity

5 (good choice)
Cost/Maintenance 4
Disease Resistance/Hardiness 5
   
*note asterisk denote species will be shaped by a prevailing wind. Single trunk trained trees need more protection than multi-trunk to grow straight.
Location Arbutus are scattered all over Marina. Young trees are visible along the center median on Del Monte Blvd. across from Vince D'Maggio Park.